Dennis Dabney
5.0
(7)
Studied at University of Texas at Dallas
Works at Strive 4ward Coaching
Successful clients at
Not currently taking new clients
About Dennis
I’ve spent my life leading teams and developing people in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. Along the way, I learned that great leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about trust, preparation, and purpose. Today, I coach professionals who want to grow their confidence, strengthen their leadership presence, and find clarity in moments of change. My approach blends real-world experience with empathy and accountability, helping clients turn challenges into growth opportunities. As a lifelong mentor and advocate for service-minded leaders, I believe success comes from lifting others. My philosophy is simple: lead with purpose, serve with humility, and keep moving forward—together.
Why do I coach?
Coaching has been a constant thread in my life—from my days in Scouting to leading teams in the military and corporate world. The mentors who guided me showed how powerful it is when someone truly invests in your growth. After more than 30 years of leading and learning, I coach to pay that forward—to help others find their confidence, lead with purpose, and reach their full potential.
Work Experience
Chief Operating Officer
Strive 4ward Coaching
May 2025 - Present
I fuse executive coaching with operational consulting to accelerate performance and value creation. Drawing on 30+ years of aerospace, defense, and military leadership, I help executives and teams translate strategy into disciplined execution—driving clarity, accountability, and results through 1:1, group coaching and leadership development.
Business Unit Vice President
Sagent LLC
August 2024 - September 2025
Hiring Manager
• Led cross-functional teams to enhance equipment sales, asset management, and enterprise procurement operations. • Implemented process improvement initiatives resulting in increased revenue and operational efficiency. • Collaborated with key stakeholders to develop and execute strategic plans for business unit growth. Executive Management, Executive Leadership and +6 skills
Member, Board of Advisors
Logistics Officer Association
November 2022 - Present
Interviewer
As a member of the LOA Board of Advisors, I provide strategic guidance and mentorship to shape the professional development and outreach efforts of a global network of logistics, acquisition, and technology professionals across the Department of Defense and industry. I advise on initiatives that strengthen public-private collaboration, advance innovation in sustainment and supply chain management, and enhance leadership education across all career stages. My role includes supporting the national board in shaping symposium content, guiding chapter engagement, and championing programs that prepare the next generation of defense logistics leaders.
Director of Programs
Northrop Grumman
July 2022 - July 2024
Hiring Manager
Leads $884M portfolio P&L, program management, engineering, quality control, design, test and assembly of Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) boosters for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) program. - Led and optimized multi-site manufacturing, supply chain, quality control, engineer staffing, integration and testing to deliver six orbital booster vehicles valued at $5.2M. - Successfully demonstrated the defense of the homeland by providing orbital boost vehicle for MDA live-fire target intercept of an air-launched intermediate-range ballistic missile. - Flight test team won Northrop Grumman President Award for Operations Excellence Business Coaching, Executive Management and +10 skills
Site Director
Northrop Grumman
May 2021 - July 2022
Hiring Manager
Leads aircraft production and modification, establishes and enforces policies, procedures, inspection programs and schedules at the site level. Coordinates staffing, finance management, supply chain sourcing and fulfillment. - Chief touchpoint for MRO on Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) E-8C, Customs and Border Protection P-3, National Command Authority Navy E-6B aircraft and fabrication operations. - Established robust operations role and supervised a workforce of 300+ skilled employees. - Coordinates cross-sector program management, ERP, engineering, procurement, manufacturing, machining, support equipment and global supply chain to support multi-site production. Business Coaching, Executive Management and +10 skills
Board of Directors
Air Force Academy Association of Graduates
May 2019 - May 2023
The Association of Graduates (AOG) aspires to be the primary organization of United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) graduates and friends dedicated to supporting the Academy mission of building leaders of character for the Air Force and the nation, and aspires to provide service and support for graduates and cadets. - Chaired Strategic Focus Committee which ensured Membership For All, the Alumni Survey and the AOG Strategic Plan. - Served on Governance Committee and revised the bylaws to enable Single CEO structure as well as the aforementioned initiatives. - Collaborated with Air Force Academy Foundation to generate and approve funding for Falcon Stadium upgrades and new North Gate Visitor Center complex.
Director of Strategic Programs
Northrop Grumman
March 2019 - April 2021
Hiring Manager
Led $45M portfolio P&L, staffing, onboarding, training, and risk management to ensure best practices in program execution. Led multiple sites providing airframe and electro-optical modifications on 32 F-35 B/C variant aircraft. - Drove quality, parts production, engineering, contracting, annual operation plan, OEM and GFR collaboration for aircraft maintenance, repair, overhaul, and upgrades across 3 locations. - Established robust aircraft sustainment faculty in holding full ownership of program management including corrective action plans, encompassing planning, staff hiring, profitable execution and strategic growth. - Led engineering and operations improvement with Navy customer to improve LRU reliability by 30% Business Coaching, Executive Management and +10 skills
President
Logistics Officer Association
October 2015 - November 2017
Non-profit executive leading a logistics, acquisition and technology professional organization comprised of over 4,000 military officers and civilians in the logistics, acquisition and technology fields around the globe. Enhanced military and civilian professions by providing a forum to promote quality support and officer and civilian professional development. Hosted two world-class training events utilizing contracted event planners and volunteer workforce. Successfully launched first logistics heritage program in the association's 35-year history. Cemented the Association's status as a non-profit by meeting or exceeding all generally accepted accounting practices.
Admissions Liaison Officer
United States Air Force Academy
March 2015 - August 2022
Admissions Committee
Provides information about the United States Air Force Academy and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps educational opportunities to high school counselors and administrators. Mentors, interviews and evaluates applicants.
Conference Director
Logistics Officer Association
October 2011 - October 2012
Chairman and single USAF liaison creating the forum to host more than 1,000 members and industry representatives in Fort Worth, TX (2011) and Washington, DC (2012). Created agenda, invited senior military guests, brokered partnerships with various agencies to provide content and on-site training to membership. Facilitated compliance with Department of Defense conference/symposium guidance. Serves as member of the National Board and LOA's learning strategist and architect; Provides strategic oversight for the learning framework and the means to make learning, in all its aspects, available to the members seeking to advance their knowledge, understanding, and command of logistics disciplines.
Air Force Officer
United States Air Force
December 1989 - August 2016
Hiring Manager
Air Force Aircraft Maintenance Officer (21A AFSC); held positions of increased responsibility directing global operations and served in the CENTCOM theaters of operation. Led acquisition logistics, MRO&U, global passenger/cargo distribution, legislative affairs and risk management in organizations of over 2000+ plus total force personnel. - Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Maintenance Policy and Programs (Tier- 2 Senior Executive Service position); led maintenance oversight and governance on 33 programs valued at $450M and Operations and Sustainment (O&S) costs over $1.38T. - Led first ever logistics and training development for $35B air refueling replacement tanker (KC-46); rephased $405M of program funds through Air Force Board; Led Milestone B strategy through the Office of Secretary of Defense enabling on-time program approval and contract award. - Guided strategic and daily operational directives across all departments and functions, overseeing 1800+ military Air Force Reserve, civilian and contractor staff, enabling 52 aircraft valued at $11B. - Rated #1 out of 12 other maintenance leaders directly supporting worldwide efforts against terrorism, Presidential/Vice-Presidential, US Embassy Distinguished Visitor support, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Definite Purpose alert commitment; launched aircraft facilitating 48,000 flying hours spanning 14,100 missions, carrying 83,000 personnel and 267,000 tons of cargo. Executive Management, Executive Leadership and +8 skills
Education
University of Texas at Dallas
Executive and Professional Coaching Certificate , ICF Accredited Coaching
2025 - 2025
The Executive and Professional Coaching Certificate Program is dedicated to developing world-class coaches who are taught by the best to be the best. Since 2005, UTD has been the coaching program of choice for Fortune 500 companies and individuals seeking to distinguish themselves in the coaching marketplace. Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, Group Coaching, Positive Psychology, Neuroscience and Assessments.
U.S. Naval War College
Masters of Arts, National Security and Strategic Studies
Competitively selected to attend in-residence Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies curriculum. Policy , Joint Operations and +4 skills
United States Air Force Academy
Bachelors of Science
Troy University
Masters of Science
7 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Dennis has helped Leland clients get into Collins Aerospace